[Greenbuilding] formaldehyde-free ply wood

[Mike O'Brien]

Hi, Irina--

Columbia Forest Products makes interior plywood with "mussel glue"  
which doesn't emit formaldehyde. We are using a veneered version in  
some cabinets.

Exterior grade plywood is made with phenolic resin, or phenol- 
formaldehyde adhesive. It does emit formaldehyde, but the emission  
rate is very low compared to interior urea-formaldehyde plywood (on  
the order of 1-2% of the urea-formaldehyde products).

If the exterior grade plywood is on the exterior of the house as  
sheathing on walls or roof, then there probably would not be pathways  
for it to get into the occupied spaces.

If the exterior grade plywood is used as subflooring or cabinet  
frames, then the formaldehyde could offgas into the house.

You can use formaldehyde-free medium density fiberboard for cabinets,  
look for Medite II and Medex.

For subflooring, I don't really know of a substitute. Here in  
Portland we need the plywood to be part of creating a strong  
diaphragm in the floor to resist an earthquake, so no one uses solid  
wood subflooring like in the old days (my youth). Perhaps if you can  
afford it and live someplace seismically quiet the solid wood is an  
option.

Best,

Mike O'Brien




On Aug 28, 2006, at 4:02 PM, Irina Golfman wrote:

> Hello everyone,
>
> I hope that someone can clarify my confusion and help me locate
> formaldehyde-free plywood.
>
> I now understand that there are two types of formaldehyde. The
> urea-formaldehyde (really toxic) and phenol-formaldehyde (less  
> toxic). I am
> told that while certified urea-formaldehyde plywood is available,  
> plywood
> that is free of both types of formaldehyde does not exist.
>
> I was told previously that CDX plywood (also knows as outdoor  
> grade) is
> free of formaldehyde (both kinds?). However, someone just told me  
> that this
> is not always the case.
>
> I am working with my contractor to locate the plywood that would  
> work for
> my healthy house and would very much appreciate any help that the  
> folks on
> this list can give me.
>
> Many thanks,
> -------------------------------------------------
> Irina
>
>
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